Sack Race

When it comes to finding the perfect carryall, no one should have to sacrifice high fashion for function. And this spring, the Australia-based line LIFEwithBIRD promises you won't have to.

Along with its finely tuned line of street-ready separates and day dresses, LIFEwithBIRD also turned out a succinct line of accessories, most notably their Turtle tote, a roomy, oversized bag that can easily accommodate more than just the essentials while remaining unquestionably en vogue. "The bag embodies the LIFEwithBIRD philosophy of design through the beauty of function," say designers Bridget McCall and Nicholas Van Messner. "We were tapping into the idea of high casual, where beauty clashes with the reality of the street."

The former FACE contributor and creative director hatched LIFEwithBIRD as an exercise in stylish functionality, and their Escher-esque tote reflects just that, offering its owner plenty of space and modern stylings minus that haphazard gym bag look. In punched up, lightweight canvas, the Turtle can seamlessly go from work to after-hours party to weekend getaway, all without missing a beat. "It also draws inspiration from the need to carry one's whole life around in a bag," says Van Messner, proving that sometimes bigger really is better.

The beach has always been a wonderland enigma to this editor. For as long as I can remember, I've wanted to be a surfer girl with curly, coppery-blonde hair (mine is essentially straight and black) and perfectly bronzed skin (I am see-through pale), who dances into the water with a board and a bikini. But, when I read

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The term "basic" probably isn't one you want attributed to your engagement ring. While classic, solitaire diamond styles are lovely (and by no means boring), they are not everyone's first choice. Thankfully, they're also far from being the only choice. Alternative stones and symbols — like tourmalines and ouroboros read